Cobra 6 Posted August 29, 2013 Report Share Posted August 29, 2013 Newbie question, I've searched the forum and have found some good info but I am in need of input/advice for my specific situation. BLUF: 2014 Shelby that I've owned for a little over a week. She has been completely detailed, she will be garaged (not heated) and covered for the duration of my deployment (approx. 8 months). I live in Germany, it gets cold, snow and rains quite a bit during the winter. I cannot find Sta-bil on base or the economy, I do not have access to jacks or a battery tender. Facts provided; what options or recommendations would you give to help me situate my Shelby before I head out? There are fuel "treatment" additives that are available on base (i.e., STP). Furthermore, I have read to disconnect the battery, likewise I have read not to disconnect the battery. Similarly, I have read start up the car and run till optimum engine temperature, however I have read the opposite. The car will be checked on regularly but will not be driven around the block, etc. All that said, I have about 3 days to finalize and prep my Shelby for garaging before my deployment. Thoughts/Recommendations? Thx! 6 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shel-b001 Posted August 29, 2013 Report Share Posted August 29, 2013 Newbie question, I've searched the forum and have found some good info but I am in need of input/advice for my specific situation. BLUF: 2014 Shelby that I've owned for a little over a week. She has been completely detailed, she will be garaged (not heated) and covered for the duration of my deployment (approx. 8 months). I live in Germany, it gets cold, snow and rains quite a bit during the winter. I cannot find Sta-bil on base or the economy, I do not have access to jacks or a battery tender. Facts provided; what options or recommendations would you give to help me situate my Shelby before I head out? There are fuel "treatment" additives that are available on base (i.e., STP). Furthermore, I have read to disconnect the battery, likewise I have read not to disconnect the battery. Similarly, I have read start up the car and run till optimum engine temperature, however I have read the opposite. The car will be checked on regularly but will not be driven around the block, etc. All that said, I have about 3 days to finalize and prep my Shelby for garaging before my deployment. Thoughts/Recommendations? Thx! 6 So you don`t have access to a battery tender then I would disconnect the battery & remove it , maybe your friend can ,put a battery charger on it for a day each month to keep itfully charged. also put max air pressure in your tires , it would be great if you could put some moisture pelts in the car to absorb any access moisture as you say the garage area will not be heated. I would also change the oil & filter . I take it you have a cover & the garage is free of rodents. Good luck & Thank You for your service. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MJN Posted August 29, 2013 Report Share Posted August 29, 2013 I agree if you can not hook to a battery tender some how, then for sure on hook battery. If possible and was me I would try to get carpet squares or something under the tires. Make sure tank is full and a fresh oil change, also a car cover if can. Also can put a plastic Baggie on exhaust tips to help with critters getting in them if are a problem where will be stored. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NMAv Posted August 29, 2013 Report Share Posted August 29, 2013 I'd duct tape the exhaust tips and remove the air filter and cover the intake filter with tape or something to prevent critters from nesting in there. Pull battery as others have mentioned. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2010KonaBlueGT Posted August 29, 2013 Report Share Posted August 29, 2013 I do not have access to jacks or a battery tender. Is there a Harley-Davidson dealer anywhere nearby? They sell battery tenders for $39.00. If not, disconnect the batt. but be prepared to 'relearn' the adaptive strategy when you reconnect. The process is in your owners manual. Phill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cobra 6 Posted August 29, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 29, 2013 Is there a Harley-Davidson dealer anywhere nearby? They sell battery tenders for $39.00. If not, disconnect the batt. but be prepared to 'relearn' the adaptive strategy when you reconnect. The process is in your owners manual. Phill I'll have to look around for a HD dealer, we do have a HD military car sales office but I'm thinking they are more in the market of sales and not service or parts, etc. I'll hunt for a tender tomorrow and Saturday, after that...I may have to disconnect (as mentioned). Disconnecting isn't my first choice but if start up once a month (or so) and letting the engine and fluids get to ideal operating temps are not recommended then I may have to go through the process and eventual "relearning". Thx. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VNMSNK Posted August 29, 2013 Report Share Posted August 29, 2013 Cobra, I use a Deltran Battery Tender Jr. on my GT-H. I bought it locally at an Advance Auto Parts. If you buy online and pick up in store, you can usually save a few bucks with an online coupon code. http://shop.advanceautoparts.com/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/product_battery-tender-junior-deltran_10081059-p?searchTerm=battery+tender&zoneAssigned=1 You can use the alligator clips or permanently install a connection. I just use the clips as it is easy enough and works perfectly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cobra 6 Posted August 29, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 29, 2013 Thanks to all. I'll look around on the economy, see if a local bike shop has a tender, if not I'll look to buy one online and have my "babysitter" connect it once it arrives. I'd opt for the alligator clips and one that I can leave connected w/some periodic oversight/check-ups from my "babysitter" B) That said, I've seen the Deltran's and CTEK's...any recommendations, one over the other? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cobra 6 Posted August 29, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 29, 2013 Thanks to all. I'll look around on the economy, see if a local bike shop has a tender, if not I'll look to buy one online and have my "babysitter" connect it once it arrives. I'd opt for the alligator clips and one that I can leave connected w/some periodic oversight/check-ups from my "babysitter" B) That said, I've seen the Deltran's and CTEK's...any recommendations, one over the other? One potential shortfall w/the CTEK and possibly the Deltran...I'm in Germany (220v), that said, I'd need a transformer to run the tender. I'm doing some more research but that could be an issue as I do not like the idea of hooking up a transformer to run a tender (or like) to my battery. Just sounds like a potential problem waiting to happen. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cobra 6 Posted August 29, 2013 Author Report Share Posted August 29, 2013 Disregard last. After furhter investigation, looks like both have and/or are capble of 220-240v. Back to the previous question. CTEK vs Deltran. Any hard stances on either? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bergenfelter Posted August 29, 2013 Report Share Posted August 29, 2013 I have always used the Deltrans - they have worked perfectly over the years. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MJN Posted August 29, 2013 Report Share Posted August 29, 2013 I have switched to all CTEK, IMO I think more advanced and better progressive charging steps then the others on the market. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rocky Posted August 29, 2013 Report Share Posted August 29, 2013 In addition to all that you have been told to do you should also crack the windows a little so air can get in, this will help to keep from getting any mold on the inside since you will have no heat in your storage area. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IngotSilverSnake Posted August 29, 2013 Report Share Posted August 29, 2013 I use a CTEK charger. Recommended by BMW (wifes Car). Works well for everything I have. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stngfever Posted August 29, 2013 Report Share Posted August 29, 2013 Here's what I have done every winter (~6 months each year) 5th winter with SGT and 10 winters with 68: Top off gas tank (usually use Stabil with last tank) Keep doors open while disconnecting negative cable on battery (this keeps the windows dropped down to clear the seal). Place plain dryer sheets throughout the car, under hood, trunk, floor, and one on top of each tire. Close doors. Place cover on car. Leave it alone all winter. Spring time, remove cover, remove dryer sheets (don't forget the ones in engine bay), connect battery, start it up and off I go. Friends and others on net have used battery tender, however, far too many have had to get replacement battery long before neccesary! Same battery in the 68 for 10 years, SGT factory battery is still working perfectly. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
2010KonaBlueGT Posted August 30, 2013 Report Share Posted August 30, 2013 Keep doors open while disconnecting negative cable on battery (this keeps the windows dropped down to clear the seal). Now THAT'S a damn good idea.... Phill Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
S8MS-01904 Posted August 30, 2013 Report Share Posted August 30, 2013 Just park it at my garage, I'll watch over it..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
coldcuts113 Posted August 30, 2013 Report Share Posted August 30, 2013 What Stngfever suggested sounds pretty good. If you cover the tailpipes, I'd zip tie a rag over them or stick steel wool in there instead of duct tape. If you can get a tender that would be great. I used/use CTEK and have the pigtail stick out of the hood near the wipers. I haven't hooked it up yet on the 14', but that's how I had it on the 09'. I've used Battery Tender Jr, HD Tenders, etc., and haven't had any problems with any of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Snoopy49 Posted August 30, 2013 Report Share Posted August 30, 2013 The stock Goodyear tire don't like cold temperatures. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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